Chapter 210
The fiery commotion of the day spread quickly by word of mouth among the servants and soon reached the ears of the nobles. It took only an hour. Meanwhile, it took exactly three hours for a report to reach the desk of the capital’s chief of guards.
“How can this be allowed to happen!”
The chief of guards raged furiously. Perhaps because this was a matter that could potentially tarnish the imperial family’s honor. His frantic demeanor was quite a contrast to the image of him just moments ago, idly flipping through a magazine while squandering his salary.
“What have you been doing, huh?!”
He immediately ordered his aide to arrest Duke Inverness. But instead of obeying with a resolute voice, the aide shook his head.
“I’m terribly sorry, but that’s impossible.”
“What did you just say?”
“The Duke never drew his sword. The Inverness knights under his command only clashed with the guards while their swords remained sheathed—no one unsheathed their blades.”
“…!”
If no sword was drawn, it was impossible to forcibly accuse the Duke of treason. Gritting his teeth, the chief of guards dismissed the charge of rebellion.
“But didn’t he use some power? To summon lightning in the capital, where the imperial family resides—this is a direct challenge to the throne!”
“Well, about that…”
The aide’s face turned awkward as he explained.
“A tree older than the palace’s royal gardeners stood in the Marquis’s garden. He set it ablaze, claiming that to leave such a tree standing was tantamount to challenging the imperial family.”
The chief of guards was left speechless. The aide added, looking apologetic:
“Furthermore, all the guards struck by the lightning only suffered singed clothes and hair, with minor injuries at worst. They fainted briefly due to shock, but that was all.”
“Ha, ha…!”
“On the contrary, the knights who faced off with the guards sustained more serious injuries. You can see the medical reports the Duke himself brought from the capital’s infirmary.”
The chief’s jaw dropped, almost dislocating. The aide sighed sadly and continued.
“Moreover, the Duke sent a formal letter to the guards, reprimanding them for failing to search properly for the kidnapped Bella Appenz. He warned that if they dared arrest him, the entire guard force should prepare to be dismissed first…”
The aide slid forward a handwritten letter Dehart had prepared in advance. The chief snatched it like a hawk catching prey, grinding his teeth as he read.
In summary, the letter claimed that Bella Appenz, kidnapped by the Marquis Wheddon, was a precious guest under the Duke’s protection. He pleaded for leniency, saying he was forced to use some force but no blood was shed and no one seriously harmed—any undue fuss would only cause trouble.
“T-This…!”
The chief groaned, clutching his neck. Evidently, evidence and witnesses had all been perfectly lined up. To accuse the Duke now would surely backfire.
In the end, following the Duke’s suggestion to exchange concessions, the best course was to close the matter.
“To think I have to stand by and watch a Northern bastard rummage through my own backyard…!”
This was exactly why Northerners shouldn’t be incorporated into the Empire. But what good was blaming past history now?
“Well, I’ll take my leave then.”
Watching the chief of guards slump in gloom, the aide bowed and left with a smirk that spoke of “serves him right”.
* * *
After Dehart safely reclaimed the clone, Sebelia, who had been pacing anxiously inside the mansion, sighed in relief.
“Thank goodness.”
She immediately sent the clone back. Seeing her more at ease, Dehart left without delay.
He had to come up with a rough explanation for the knights who loyally followed orders but showed confused expressions.
Even Eli himself looked startled.
For anyone, seeing a young lady leave someone else’s home after being supposedly kidnapped was hard to believe—even for Dehart, who faced it firsthand.
Once Dehart left the study, Sebelia collapsed onto the sofa. Claude, sitting opposite, asked worriedly:
“Are you really okay with this?”
His words were puzzling. Sebelia struggled to lift her eyelids and meet his gaze, and Claude furrowed his brow.
“I mean, are you sure it’s okay to cover this up rather than take it to trial?”
Claude clearly disliked the situation.
Not surprising.
Sebelia recalled Claude insisting on accompanying Dehart to Marquis Wheddon’s mansion.
“This feels too lenient. Bella, think about it. That man used a filthy d**g on you without caring that it might turn you into a fool.”
While Sebelia pondered, Claude grew more agitated. Seeing his red face startled her, and she blinked.
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.